May 2, 2016
Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
are right around the corner, so it’s time to make sure your air conditioning
(AC) system is working efficiently. Proper maintenance of your air conditioner
will improve its safety and performance, reduce energy use and electric costs,
and prolong the life of your system.
AC systems should be inspected once a
year. Contractors will be very busy in the summer months, so it’s best to book
a tune-up now before you actually need air conditioning. A typical central AC
system tune-up will cover a list of tasks, both inside and outside, such as:
- Inspect motors, wiring, and refrigerant lines;
- Inspect and clean evaporator coil and condensate lines; and
- Remove debris and lubricate as needed.
Additionally, there are many things
that homeowners can do to help keep their AC system operating efficiently:
- As with the furnace, air filters need
to be changed per manufacturer’s recommendations. Restricted airflow can cause
the evaporator coil to freeze up, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging
components.
- The area around the outside unit must
be kept free of foliage or anything that can block airflow to the unit.
- The coils on the outside unit can get
clogged from leaves, dust, or other debris, thus reducing efficiency.
Periodically spraying with a hose can help ensure proper operation.
- Window AC units require filters to be
cleaned, drain lines to be clear and held away from siding, and proper sealing
between the window and the unit.
- Ductless and high velocity systems also
have filters that need cleaning or replacing.
Ask your AC contractor to review what
types of maintenance you can perform safely on your system, and have him or her
walk you through those. AC system tune-ups can be arranged through local
heating, ventilation and AC contractors in your area.
For more information on home cooling, check
out the Minnesota Department of Commerce Home Energy Guide (pdf) or the U.S. Department of Energy’s webpage on Home Cooling Systems.
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Minnesota Energy Tips is provided twice a month by the Minnesota Department
of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources. Contact the division’s Energy
Information Center at energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710 with energy questions.
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